The judge said the petitioner did not prove the project poses an imminent threat to public health and safety -- or that the arena site contains unforeseen historical, archaeological or ecological values that would be affected by the construction.

Kings President Chris Granger issued a statement following the ruling:

"Today's news moves us yet another step closer to providing the region with a world-class entertainment and sports center that will revitalize downtown Sacramento and improve the region's economy and quality of life. We remain focused on demolition preparations, which is expected to start shortly, and the grand opening, fall of 2016."